Octopath Traveler II Reviews
It didn't take me long to realise how special Octopath Traveler 2 is. It is a game that has so much to do and explore, but never feels overwhelming or watered down in any way. Featuring one of the best turn-based combat systems I've ever encountered, alongside an emotional and deeply connecting narrative on all fronts, Octopath Traveler 2 is truly a monumental achievement that confidently stands among some of the genre's finest entries.
I could just ask you if you liked the first Octopath Traveler and if you did, you will like the second one. But that would be doing an injustice. To those who didn't get a chance to do the original title, you can do the second one without concern. But to those who have already done it, there are still minor adjustments that enhance our overall experience. The soundtrack is boundlessly generous, the day/night cycle is welcome and, let's face it, each character's storyline is more interesting. At the risk of repeating myself, you can't change a winning formula. But you can certainly tweak it a bit. And that's exactly what Square Enix has done successfully.
Review in French | Read full review
Although Octopath Traveler 2 is similar to the first installment, it does everything well and better as a JRPG. The developers have listened to the players, and what was missing before has found a place here. It is not a revolution, but it is still an excellent game.
Review in Czech | Read full review
Octopath Traveler II provided another beautiful journey for those who wanted to dive into the world of traditional role-playing games, with a distinctive combat style and stories of characters with wonderful and interesting storytelling, I enjoyed every moment of it
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Octopath Traveler 2 is a fantastic sequel that retains its distinct features while enhancing its overall coherence. It's a top-tier JRPG from Square Enix and a strong contender for 2023's GOTY. Although pacing issues persist, the game's narrative rewards perseverance, resulting in a memorable experience. Whether new or returning, players will find plenty of entertainment and engagement in this title.
Octopath Traveler II is a worthy successor to the first game, considering it improves upon many of the faults from the original whilst introducing refreshing new systems. The beautiful pixel art, engaging turn-based combat, gripping storytelling, and immaculate soundtrack make this game one of the must-plays of the year. The essence of nostalgia it manages to capture is simply unparalleled.
Octopath Traveler II's solid artistic design, unforgettable characters, and sublime music make it not only a great sequel but a fantastic RPG experience that nobody should miss.
Review in Persian | Read full review
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II is a JRPG with a lack of direction in its story that's mostly saved by its fun job system and battle mechanics.
Octopath Traveler 2 is a sequel that pays heartfelt homage to the ’90s JRPGs cherished by many gamers. It successfully recreates the visual and auditory magic of that era while introducing some new gameplay elements. However, it also relies heavily on familiar tropes and recycles mechanics, which may disappoint those seeking a more innovative experience. The storytelling is a mixed bag, with some compelling character arcs overshadowed by the lack of a cohesive narrative thread. Nevertheless, for fans of classic JRPGs and those yearning for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Octopath Traveler 2 offers a familiar, if somewhat conservative, journey into a beloved gaming era. With its strengths and weaknesses, it presents an opportunity for players to embark on a personal journey of exploration and nostalgia, forging their unique path through a world of pixelated wonder.
Octopath Traveller II is a brilliant RPG that improves and expands upon every aspect of the original game. The narrative feels deeper thanks to the newly introduced Crossed Paths, exploration is fleshed out thanks to the day-and-night cycle, whilst combat feels more strategic than ever thanks to the secondary jobs and Latent Abilities. And don’t get me started on the visuals, which are simply gorgeous throughout. It does have a few minor missteps, most notably with the narrative tying together and some battles dragging out longer than they need to, but they don’t stop Octopath Traveller II from being another unmissable RPG hit from Square Enix.
Octopath Traveler 2 is a step up from its predecessor in all the right ways, expanding on concepts and mechanics that make this a must-play.
The main issue I have with OT2 is in its similarities to its predecessor. It’s a fun and excellent example of the genre, but doesn’t really stretch beyond it. I suppose there are worse sins a game can commit than just not feeling much different from its great predecessor. Still, if Octopath Traveler wasn’t your thing, Octopath Traveler II likely won’t be, either.
The developers of Octopath Traveler 2 have chosen to keep the elements of their previous game that emphasized the player's journey rather than individual stories. In addition, they have strengthened the gameplay mechanics to deepen each travel. Although there is still a lack of interaction in the storyline, the RPG's core theme of travel has been further strengthened.
Review in Korean | Read full review
If you loved Octopath Traveler or are just a fan of expansive JRPGs, Octopath Traveler II is for you. Its cast is appealing and varied, even if the accompanying shifts in tone and stakes between each character's storyline can feel jarring at times. The combat is also a joy, rewarding experimentation and customisation, despite the amount of level grinding required later in the game. If you want a fun, if familiar-feeling, JRPG that will last you a while, Octopath Traveler II will absolutely do the trick.
To sum it all up, Octopath Traveler II comes close to being the ideal sequel. It once again totes that amazing HD-2D aesthetic and style, and continues to build on the successful foundations of the series. The storytelling has also improved, with crafted tales that feel both easier to get into and remain invested in. Yet, the game does lack meaningful surprises in a sense, remaining steadfastly familiar to the 2018 release save for the new tweaks. It doesn’t make Octopath Traveler II any less of a great JRPG; just be sure to check your expectations at the door.
Octopath Traveler II is a very well finished game, with a beautiful realization and music. But the game is also a bit lazy and feels like a big DLC of the first game.
Review in French | Read full review
A competent and entertaining faux-retro Japanese role-player but apart from the new characters almost nothing has changed since the first one.
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II illustrates superbly how to revive a classic JRPG. This sequel matches the original's quality and improves upon it in almost every way. Due to a few lengthy boss fights and a high volume of random encounters requiring their fair share of playing time, the game will appeal to genre veterans more than newcomers.
It’s only made a handful of changes over the original, but Octopath Traveler II is a 60-100 hour journey that’s well worth experiencing.